Breastfeeding Peer Support Program Increases Breastfeeding Duration Rates Among Middle- to High-Income Women.

Background: Research has shown that women with low socioeconomic status and lack of breastfeeding support often breastfeed for shorter durations. Little research has been done on the effects of a breastfeeding peer support program for women from middle- to high-socioeconomic status.

Objective: The objective of this project was to determine whether a breastfeeding peer support program would increase breastfeeding duration rates among middle- to high-socioeconomic status women.

Materials And Methods: One hundred thirteen women were recruited from local OB/GYN offices to participate in a breastfeeding peer support program that included prenatal visits, phone calls, and anticipatory breastfeeding guidance throughout the infants' first year of life.

Results: Factors associated with a significant increase (p < 0.05) in breastfeeding duration included marital status, mother's ethnicity, mother's medical history, and delivery type. Mothers who remained enrolled in the study had the following breastfeeding duration rates: 85% at 6 months and 65% at 12 months. These are all higher than current national goals and statewide rates.

Conclusion: Results indicate that consistent breastfeeding support during the infants' first year of life may increase breastfeeding duration rates for women of higher socioeconomic status.